Thank you so much, @bpcyclist.

I'm very sorry to hear about your own past relationship. I know many people now at this stage who say they stayed far too long, but typically it's because of children.

But I'm not in any danger. He has never been physically abusive, though I do know that physical abuse is always preceded by emotional and verbal abuse statistically. There's always that possibility, but I have never felt unsafe in that way.

8 months IS a long time. I definitely do not want to go to any shelter, but if I had to, I would... IF it did come down to physical abuse.

I also finally just told my parents about what's going on, and they insinuated that if he ever did hit me, that I would have a place to stay. Their condo is very small for 3 people (tiny for 3), but it could be a place for me to stay short-term at least if I absolutely needed it.

Thank you again for your kind words.